The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu often evokes mixed feelings, and as someone who spends a lot of time evaluating vehicles, I can understand why. There’s a duality to this car; it excels in certain areas while falling short in others. While it might not be the most thrilling ride, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu offers a blend of practicality and comfort that deserves a closer look. This review will delve into the specifics of the 2022 Malibu, exploring its design, performance, and overall appeal in the competitive mid-size sedan market.
Beige 2022 Chevrolet Malibu showcasing its overall design
Exterior Styling: Playing it Safe
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the styling of the 2022 Malibu. It’s not offensive, but it certainly won’t turn heads. Chevrolet opted for a conservative approach, seemingly aiming for broad appeal rather than bold design choices. It’s clear the designers prioritized creating a vehicle that wouldn’t alienate potential buyers, perhaps at the expense of excitement. Compared to some rivals that sport more aggressive or distinctive looks, the Malibu’s exterior can be described as understated, even bland.
Side mirror and integrated spoiler on the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
However, upon closer inspection, there are some redeeming features. The sloping roofline adds a touch of elegance, and the integrated rear spoiler is a subtle yet sporty detail. The body lines, while not dramatic, are clean and contribute to a cohesive look. The front grille also presents a reasonably stylish face to the world, avoiding being completely generic.
Profile view of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu highlighting the sloping roofline
The headlights, with their slightly narrowed design, offer a hint of aggression, a touch of ‘sinister’ as one might say, which is perhaps unexpected for this segment. While the overall exterior might not be groundbreaking, it represents a significant step up from some of GM’s less visually appealing designs of the past, showing a clear effort to create a contemporary looking sedan.
Front grille detail of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu showing its design
Close up of the headlight design on the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Interior Ambiance: Swoopy and Functional
Stepping inside the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu, the interior design language can be immediately described as “swoopy.” Curves dominate the dashboard and door panels, creating a flowing, if perhaps slightly dated, aesthetic. This design approach is consistent throughout the cabin, with very few straight lines to be found. While some might find this stylistic choice interesting, it’s a departure from the more angular and modern interiors seen in some competitors.
Ignoring the color palette that heavily matches the exterior (which might not be to everyone’s taste), the interior is generally well-laid out and functional. The infotainment system and climate controls, while not the most cutting-edge in terms of visual appeal, are user-friendly and straightforward. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay is a welcome feature, enhancing the car’s connectivity.
Infotainment system displaying Apple CarPlay in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Curved dashboard and door panel design within the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu interior
The gauge cluster is clear and easy to read, prioritizing functionality over flashy graphics. The center console offers practical cupholders, capable of accommodating larger bottles, and continues the swoopy design theme. Rear seat passengers will find adequate space, as expected in a mid-size sedan, making it suitable for families or those who regularly carry passengers.
Instrument cluster and Chevy logo in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Center console and cupholder area in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Rear passenger seating area in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
The materials used in the interior seem durable. Even in a test vehicle with nearly 40,000 miles, the seats and other surfaces showed minimal wear, suggesting good longevity. Even the headrests remained clean, a testament to the quality of materials used.
Clean headrests in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu despite mileage
Performance and Engine: Adequate for Daily Driving
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu typically comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower. While this might not sound like a lot for a mid-size sedan, it proves to be sufficient for everyday driving needs. For typical commutes and highway cruising, the engine provides adequate power and acceleration. However, those seeking a more spirited driving experience might find it lacking, particularly in demanding situations like quick overtaking or merging onto fast-moving highways.
EcoTech turbocharged engine of the 2022 Chevy Malibu
The engine is designed for efficiency and reasonable performance rather than outright power. It leans more towards being “spunky” than “mighty,” offering enough responsiveness for most drivers’ daily needs without delivering exhilarating performance.
Driver behind the wheel of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu on the road
Handling and Ride Comfort: Comfort Prioritized
The 2022 Malibu is tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth and relaxed ride. Its suspension is designed to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, making it a comfortable highway cruiser. However, this focus on comfort means that handling in corners is not its strongest suit.
Point of view driving shot in the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
While it handles corners better than one might initially expect, it’s not a sporty sedan. The steering, while perhaps slightly smaller in diameter than average, contributes to a feeling of nimbleness, but ultimately the Malibu is designed for comfortable cruising rather than dynamic handling. Upgrading to larger wheels and tires from the base model’s smaller 16-inch wheels could potentially improve handling, but the fundamental character remains comfort-oriented.
Base model wheels and tires on the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
Fuel Efficiency: Respectable MPG
In terms of fuel economy, the 2022 Malibu performs admirably. Achieving around 22.5 MPG in mixed driving conditions, including highway speeds and city traffic, is quite respectable for a mid-size sedan. This fuel efficiency adds to its practicality and makes it an economical choice for daily commuting and longer journeys.
2022 Chevrolet Malibu driving into the sunset
Verdict: A Practical but Unexciting Choice
The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is a fundamentally decent and reliable car. If your priorities are practicality, fuel efficiency, and comfortable cruising, it’s a worthy contender in the mid-size sedan segment. It performs its intended functions well and offers a comfortable and spacious interior. However, it lacks excitement and visual flair. It’s a car that blends into the background, unlikely to draw attention or spark passion.
Detailed image of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu showcasing its features
For those seeking a car that makes a statement or offers a thrilling driving experience, the Malibu may fall short. Alternatives like minivans might even be more appealing if pure practicality is the ultimate goal. However, if you’re looking for a dependable, comfortable, and economical mid-size sedan that gets the job done without fuss, the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu is a solid, if somewhat unremarkable, option. For a more detailed breakdown, consider exploring a list of Chevy Malibu pros and cons to help determine if it perfectly fits your needs.
